The Minister for the Presidency and MP-elect for Budiope West Constituency, Babirye Milly Babalanda, has congratulated President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni on his re-election and called on leaders to unite and serve the public equitably.
Speaking to the media at her home in Kalogoi, Nkondo S/C, Buyende District, Babalanda thanked Ugandans for their trust in the NRM government, which has been elected for an eighth term.
“I want to thank Ugandans for the landslide victory of our National Chairperson, President Museveni, with 71.65% of the vote. I congratulate the NRM fraternity and all leaders who contributed to this success. I also thank the voters of Budiope West for entrusting me to represent them in the 12th Parliament. Despite the challenges on election day, you will not regret your choice,” she said.
Babalanda called for reconciliation and unity among elected leaders in Buyende, Busoga, and Uganda at large, emphasizing that leadership is about service, not personal gain or political rivalry.
“As electoral processes come to an end, I call for unity and reconciliation among leaders because we must serve Ugandans equitably. Politics is not a do-or-die game. Uganda is bigger than any one person, and leadership is not about seeking relevance. I sympathize with those who failed, but there are always other ways to serve the public,” she said.
The Minister also highlighted challenges faced on election day, including threats against her supporters, ballot manipulation, and intimidation by individuals brought in from other districts.
“It is unfortunate that some people plan for others to fail. In Buyende, the security team impounded four mini-buses carrying over 100 goons and army officers from Bugembe, Nansana, Kawempe, and Busega, targeting President Museveni, myself, other flag bearers, and ballot manipulation for opposition candidates. We thank God these machineries were stopped by police, and those responsible have been remanded to Kirinya prison,” she said.
Babalanda issued a stern warning to members of the NRM who put personal interests above the party, urging them to stop internal sabotage.
“Those fighting us are often our closest friends, members within the party who know the government well. Political ambition should never lead to violence. Those you seek to harm are your brothers, sisters, neighbours, and children. Leadership is about sharing your vision, not shedding blood,” she added.
She concluded by urging the public to focus on transforming communities and moving forward after elections.
“When politics is done, we should forgive one another and focus on building our communities,” Babalanda said.
